Taoiseach Micheál Martin has appealed for the release of Gena Heraty, saying she has made an extraordinary contribution to life in Haiti.
Speaking in Derrynane in Co Kerry today, Mr Martin said Ms Heraty is the "manifestation of the very best of missionary endeavour, particularly working for children with special needs".
He said every effort is being made, both diplomatically and through various networks, to secure her release.
"We would appeal to those who have kidnapped her and those in the orphanage to release them, not to harm them. Gena has done a lot of good for people, and we earnestly appeal for their release.
Meanwhile, the Irish branch of the charity which Ms Heraty works with in Haiti, has described her as a tough and very resilient person.
The Westport native oversees the Sainte-Helene orphanage in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km southeast of the capital Port-au-Prince.
The facility is operated by the humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters).
NPH Ireland chairperson Jessica Mullins said everyone was shocked and disheartened at what has happened, adding that Ms Heraty is highly regarded in the communities she works for.
"No doubt Gena is trying to put on a brave face for everyone, and also probably herself trying to negotiate her way out, Ms Mullins said, adding that there is also "an element of fear there".
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Read More:
Tánaiste raises case of Gena Heraty with EU's Kallas
Gena Heraty family 'on tenterhooks', says parish priest
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Ms Mullins said that Ms Heraty has spent more than 30 years living and working in Haiti.
The country has become more volatile over the last number of years, she said.
"It would be a tough environment to work in and to grow up in ... but it just shows her resilience. She has showed up every day, regardless of how volatile or how tough things get on the ground over there".
"For Gena I would think this isn't a job, it's a vocation," Ms Mullins said, adding that "it's her true mission in life".
"She really is an amazing person and just serves with love and compassion and dignity, and she's probably one of the most selfless people I've ever met".
The people of Haiti are amazing and kind, Ms Mullins said, adding that it was a shame that there are gangs now tarnishing the potential that the country has.
"It's a potential that Gena sees, believes in, and it's why she's based, kind of immersed, in the community over there, and works so tirelessly at what she does".
Tánaiste Simon Harris raised the kidnapping with the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
Ms Kallas supported his request for the EU to designate a specific point of contact in Haiti, who will work directly with Ireland on the ongoing efforts to free Ms Herarty and the other hostages.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
